CA Therapist Helps 2008 Olympics Athletes

Kenny Schroeder, from Long Beach Sports Rehab and Physical Therapy Center in Long Beach, Calif., had the unique opportunity to be part of making history with the athletes he has supported for more than 10 years.

Schroeder has worked with the U.S. men’s water polo team as an athletic trainer since 1993. He travels nationally and globally with the team, and when he was invited to join them in Beijing, saw it as the “opportunity of a lifetime.”

“The experience was unbelievable,” Schroeder said. He watched closely as the team made history, as the first U.S. water polo team to reach the gold-medal round in 20 years and ultimately win a silver medal.

“I told the guys, look at that medal and be proud of your accomplishments,” he said.

Through their journey for gold, the team suffered many injuries including lacerations, sprains and strains affecting their necks, knees and shoulders. The most acute injury Schroeder helped fix at the Games was an eye laceration that needed immediate stitches.

“There were about two minutes left in the semi-final game, so I quickly closed the wound with duct tape,” he said. “We got the player back in the water in about 45 seconds.”

Schroeder also had the opportunity to work with other U.S. sports teams, as they came to the training room at the Olympic Village for treatment, including athletes competing in track, diving, volleyball and gymnastics.

“[Women’s gymnastics] is one of my favorite sports,” Schroeder said. “I was able to work with Shawn Johnson a lot. I got the opportunity to flush (massage) her legs prior to her gold-medal performance on the balance beam.”

Schroeder continues to work with the men’s water polo team, and looks forward to the opportunity to support his team at the 2010 Winter Olympics. “My experience in China was very special, and I look forward to helping out when I can with future Olympics.”